What's the Difference: BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

 

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 near Las Vegas, NV

When it comes to performance-focused, small SUVs, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 are at the top of their game.

Each model packs a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, along with optional all-wheel drive and a performance-focused driving character that makes drives to Red Rock Canyon a true joy. Inside, each model has a high-tech cockpit loaded with the latest infotainment technology, high levels of luxury, and the latest driver safety features to keep drivers and passengers safe on the Las Vegas commute.

In addition to their performance mission, the X1 and Q3 are both happy to haul cargo and people. Each has a spacious rear seat with plenty of legroom and impressive cargo space. The BMW X1 offers 57.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, which is among the top in the class and makes loading up for a weekend camping trip to Lake Mead a breeze. The bottom line is that both of these vehicles are fun-to-drive crossover SUVs that come with a solid dose of practicality.

Let's dive in to learn more about these unique vehicles.

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

Features BMW X1 Audi Q3
Fuel Economy 25 MPG City - 28 MPG Highway 21 MPG City - 24 MPG Highway
Engine 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Drivetrain AWD AWD
Cargo Space 57.20 cu ft 48.00 cu ft
Seating Capacity 5 5

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3
Reliability and Quality

Both the BMW X1 SAV and the Audi Q3 have reliability ratings that are about average for the class.

BMW offers a comprehensive Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty on the X1 that should put any new owner at ease:
  • Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty: four years / 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage
  • Roadside Assistance: four years / 50,000 miles

In addition to the excellent warranty coverage, the BMW X1 also offers no-charge scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Audi's warranty is similar to BMW's and offers the same four year / 50,000-mile service window and roadside assistance.

Performance and Efficiency

At the core of every BMW SAV is a tight, sporty driving character that brims with fun and passion.

Under the hood, you'll find BMW's excellent 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder engine that cranks out a stout 241 horsepower and works with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that cracks off lightning-fast shifts. Instead of front-wheel drive, the BMW X1 comes standard with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. This advanced system provides grip on wet or snowy roads and offers enhanced handling in dry conditions as well. Performance is focused and punchy with 0-60 mph times coming in around 6.2 seconds. The X1 also comes with BMW My Modes, which allows drivers to select from unique driving modes for more power or comfort.

Audi offers a 2.0 TFSI® turbocharged engine with 228 horsepower under the hood of the Q3, which is down 13 horsepower from the BMW X1. This power deficit leads to a slightly slower 0-60 mph times of 7.1 seconds. Like BMW, Audi equips the Q3 with quattro® all-wheel drive, but Audi goes with a traditional eight-speed tiptronic® transmission instead of the dual-clutch setup in the BMW. Audi Drive Select allows drivers to dial in performance or efficiency with just a turn of a dial.

Thanks to the efficient powertrain, the BMW X1 also achieves excellent fuel economy estimates of 34 mpg highway and 25 mpg in the city.** Fuel economy is not as good on the Audi Q3, with estimates of 28 mpg highway and 21 mpg in the city.**

Safety and Driving Assistance

On top of the six airbags, every BMW X1 comes with a range of active safety equipment that keeps both drivers and passengers safe out on the road:
  • Active Blind Spot Detection
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation

Drivers who want even more safety and security should upgrade to the Driving Assistance Professional Package which includes Steering and Lane Control Assistant as well as Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. Extended Traffic Jam Assistant enables the X1 to drive in traffic at speeds up to 40 miles per hour with almost no input from the driver.

Audi's Q3 standard safety features include a Top View Camera System that shows an augmented image of the Q3 and any obstacles that may be around it. Audi pre sense® front warns of vehicles or people ahead and takes emergency action if you do not respond. Blind Spot monitors are also standard and allow the Q3 to take evasive action if a vehicle is located in the blind spot.

Infotainment and Technology

One of the first things you'll notice when you slide into the driver's seat of the X1 is the all-new BMW Curved Display.

A 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a 10.7-inch Central Information Display combine in a large piece of glass that runs right across the driver's view. Not only is the experience stunningly beautiful, but the touchscreen technology itself is fast, snappy, and easy to use. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are on board, along with BMW's latest version of iDrive and Bluetooth®*. Each screen is completely customizable, allowing drivers to show everything from vehicle data to maps and more.

BMW ConnectedDrive is also standard on the X1, which can connect your BMW, your smartphone, and your home. Over-the-air updates and finding or starting your X1 remotely are all possible thanks to the My BMW app and the X1's built-in wireless connection.

The Q3 offers a similar level of technology, but doesn't have the beautiful curved glass of the X1. Instead, you'll find a standard 8-inch Audi MMI® infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities and a wireless charger. Similar to BMW ConnectedDrive, Audi connect® connects the Q3 to your smartphone and Audi Concierge service. Connect CARE®, which offers remote services and emergency assistance, comes standard, but additional features can be unlocked by subscribing to one of several packages.

Shop BMW X1 near Las Vegas, NV

BMW of Las Vegas is your X1 expert near Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Paradise, Henderson, and Enterprise. Our dealership stocks a wide variety of new cars, along with the best selection of Certified Pre-Owned BMW vehicles in the Las Vegas area. All returned vehicles go through a 125-point inspection process. Only the best of the best make it on our lot for resale. Our team of BMW experts is here to answer your questions and guide you through the purchasing process.

Once you test drive a sporty X1 and see that beautiful curved display, we know you'll be in love. If you're looking to upgrade from your current BMW, we accept lease returns and handle all the paperwork for you. If you're new to the BMW family, our in-house finance center will figure out a payment plan that makes sense for your budget. Even if you're trading in another brand, we offer competitive trade-in rates on all makes and models.

Whether you're visiting us to service your BMW in our advanced service center, or looking at the latest and greatest, BMW of Las Vegas is here to help.

*Bluetooth® is a registered mark Bluetooth SIG, INC.

**Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition and other factors.